This is very interesting, too! One would think children would be the least able to understand the implications of such a pledge. It seems to me that such a thing should be reserved for those who do fully understand it, and that no one (child or adult) should be pressured into reciting it.

Elderberry syrup works well for us. We use a brand called "Sambucus," and another good one is called "Sambucol." Just check the label, as some formulations of Sambucus include echinacea with the elderberry and some do not. Other possible immune boosters: Kyolic garlic supplements and extra vitamin C daily. If you add in Emergen-C when you're sick, be sure to keep taking your regular multi, too. Try to get plenty of exposure to sunshine. Good luck! It's no fun being sick all the time. :grouphug:

In my rural community, I've seen it done in churches (!) and at all our co-op meetings. Almost all adults and children participate. As a Christian, I have several problems with the pledge: 1. My first allegiance is to Christ. I can't in good conscience pledge my allegiance to a fallible human government which may ask me to act contrary to my faith and which may be responsible for grave evil. 2. I do not believe I should make oaths of any kind (Matthew 5:34-37). 3. I believe it is a lie to affirm that there is currently "liberty and justice for all" in America. I mean no offense to anyone; just sharing my perspective here. Peace to all.

For those who feel this way, is there anything this country could do (either by governmental edict or by the general consent of the populace) that would cause you to no longer feel or be patriotic or proud to be an American? What would that be? I am genuinely curious. :bigear:

An antihistamine, like Benadryl. It may make you sleepy, but it will dry up your nose and eyes.

I would say that in general, "no children" means "no children." Yes, I think it would be rude if you brought an infant without asking.

I think perhaps that depends on the cussing. Ephesians 5:4 comes to mind: "And there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks." The use of God's name as a curse word makes me wince, as do words referring to sexual acts or anatomy. However, I've been known to use "milder" curse words in private with my family (not in front of children!), particularly when discussing things about which we are especially passionate. Some things are indeed damnable, and some words do seem to have more power. I am a huge proponent of free speech in general, but there is something to be said for being sensitive to and respectful of others. A scene from the comedy "Blast from the Past" comes to mind: Troy: You know, I asked him about that. He said, good manners are just a way of showing other people we have respect for them. See, I didn't know that. I thought it was just a way of acting all superior. Oh, and you know what else he told me? Eve: What? Troy: He thinks I'm a gentleman and you're a lady. Eve: Well, consider the source! I don't even know what a lady is. Troy: I know, I mean I thought a "gentleman" was somebody that owned horses. But it turns out, his short and simple definition of a lady or a gentleman is someone who always tries to make sure the people around him or her are as comfortable as possible. Eve: Where do you think he got all that information? Troy: From the oddest place - his parents. I mean, I don't think I got that memo from mine.

:eek: :mad: Unbelievable!!! I'm so sorry you went through that. :grouphug:

No, it's not the same thing as liquid hydrogen peroxide in a bottle. As a PP said, you'll find it in the facial cleanser aisle. The generic kinds (which are fine!) come in a little bottle or tube and will be labeled "Benzoyl Peroxide Gel / Acne Treatment."

Just big :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: .

That's a good question! My mom took the regimen from a book on acne, but I don't recall the name of the book. I do know that it worked for me. Perhaps it is to reduce inflammation? Here's one thread discussing its use: http://www.acne.org/...-spot-treating/ and a google search on "ice and acne" brings up many more.

Please don't have him *over* clean his face or use harsh products like rubbing alcohol. If his skin becomes too dry and stressed, it will react by producing more oil, not less. Here's what worked for me as a teenager: Wash twice a day with a *mild* cleanser like Cetaphil or even just warm water. Don't scrub; be gentle. In the evening, preferably after a shower when the pores are open, take an ice cube, and holding it with a washcloth, rub it all over the face until the skin is good and cold. Pat dry. Apply 2.5% or 5% benzoyl peroxide gel (not cream) in a thin layer over any areas where acne occurs, not just on the pimples themselves. (So, for me, I applied it over my entire chin, cheeks, and forehead.) This is a preventative as well as a treatment. 10% gel can be used if that is all you can find, but it can be potentially too drying. If there are large pimples, apply extra gel on those, in a couple layers if necessary, and leave on overnight. After a few weeks of doing this, my skin was smooth again and I was able to maintain clear skin fairly well. Benzoyl peroxide is inexpensive and works well for typical teenager acne. Good luck!

Yep, I think Celia (ETA: and Carol!) called it: For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him. 1 Peter 3:18-22

:grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: , umsami. Bigotry disgusts me. I am so sorry you felt the need to post this.

We love these suits: http://www.becomingswimdress.com/Girls_Swimdress.html The bike-style shorts underneath keep everything covered (and keep sand out!). The fit works for all different types of bodies. The suit is also very comfortable and my daughter loves how it looks.

Thanks for the reminder! Poor little kid.... :(

I immediately thought of this Etsy artist who has done some custom work for me: http://www.etsy.com/shop/rachelink I like the name of your business and think it fits well. Best of luck!

The dress on the left, and your daughter is beautiful! :)

Too cute! :)

Oh, no, Mergath! I'm so sorry that happened to you. :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: Please do update us when you are able.

Dogs do love Nylabones, and they are long-lasting and great at cleaning teeth. They're probably just fine for many dogs. However, please use caution if your dog is an aggressive chewer. My dog badly cracked his tooth on one and had to have the tooth removed. The bone was the appropriate size for his weight. I did some research and found that others have had the same experience.

Goodbyes are so hard, but you will see him again. :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

Powell's book store in Portland buys books and will pay the shipping cost, too. Just enter your ISBN numbers here to see what, if anything, they are willing to offer for what you have. You can get more in store credit than in cash, if that interests you.

I'm so sorry, Kathryn. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

Still praying here, too. :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: